HUNGER’s staycation edit
After too many months spent in the big smoke, a trip to the countryside is a much needed break. And if you’re craving picturesque country scenes that are often found on postcards, or the dreams of American tourists, then the great British outdoors delivers in spades. This time around, we took a trip to the twinned coastal towns of Lynton and Lynmouth, headed to the ancient village of Mells, and then to the Sussex Coast and Melton Mowbray.
STAY: Tors Park
The incessant April drizzle may suggest otherwise, but summer is just around the corner. And how better to celebrate its arrival than with a trip to the beautiful Devon coast? There, nestled into the cliffs of Lynmouth, you’ll find Tors Park holiday apartments — a cosy but modern base for a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of city life. So, if you don’t have your staycation booked already, we’ve done the research for you…
Lynmouth itself is as idyllic as it comes. It’s exactly what springs to mind when you picture a ‘matchbox village’ — there are rows of quaint fishing cottages, cafés, restaurants and independent shops all clustered around the harbour. Plus, Exmoor National Park, where you can find wild ponies, deer and a whole host of birdlife, is only on the doorstep, meaning you can really reconnect with nature while you’re there. There’s also a beach with a delightful hidden-cove feel sitting just below the village. And best of all, you don’t even have to leave Tors Park to soak up its serenity — the apartments have extra large windows, as well as balconies, so you can enjoy the panoramic view from wherever you’re cosied up.
In fact, Tors Park is made for cosying up. The apartments have comfy furnishings, as well as log burners to give that literal sense of warmth you crave on a staycation (plus you can curl up next to it with a good book if the weather takes a turn for the worst). But, cosy as they are, Tors Park is a far cry from the olde-worlde feel of the village — each of the apartments, which sleep two, four or six (price depending on the season) was tastefully crafted by the then 25-year-old designer India Glover to include fresh white walls and sleek wooden flooring throughout the open-plan living quarters and bedrooms. And, they’re dog-friendly, so you can take your furry family members along with you.
Mells, Somerset
STAY: The Talbot Inn
Every nook and cranny of Mells has visitors pulling out their iPhones to snap pictures of the vast expanse of country green and the rose clad thatched cottages. It is relaxation at its finest; there is literally nothing to do than traverse the fields, visit the one local shop, go to the grade II St Andrew’s Church, which is the last resting place of WWW1 poet Siegfried Sassoon, and of course, pop into to the Talbot Inn. Part pub, part luxury hotel, it is Mells’ community centre, and one of those special institutions that has oodles of charm; there are two courtyards, one grassy with picnic tables, where you can soak up the sun, ale in hand, overlooking some of the county’s most remote landscapes. But there is also bang up grub, regular supper clubs, quiz evenings, and more; the Talbot has kept its historic stylings, but modernised just enough by way of luxury accommodation.
Speaking of sleep, there are eight bedrooms varying from small doubles (£140 including breakfast) to extra large doubles (£200 a night including breakfast). Details are not skimped on; there’s Siberian goose down bedding, crisp Egyptian cotton sheets, all-natural Bramley products, and the larger rooms benefit from roll top baths, walk in showers and four poster beds. Elsewhere, it’s evident that this is locally run; the beers are supplied by nearby breweries, gin from local distilleries and the wine from The Beckford Bottle Shop of Bath, which is less than an hour away.
The menus too are standout, and change with the seasons; meat and game come from local farms, fish is from the Cornwall coast and fresh leaves are picked just a few steps away in the Talbot’s kitchen garden (we’d recommend the charcuterie platter after a long walk, and whatever the catch of the day is). So it’s no wonder then that the inn has attracted A-list attention, the Beckhams and Courteney Cox have been known to bike over from the nearby Babington House to have some pints — but regardless of who you are, you will undoubtedly be welcomed with open arms here.
Sussex:
STAY: Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa
Entering Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa is like stepping into a time machine. Tucked away on the Sussex coast, it radiates old-world charm with a modern twist. Built in the 1920s with materials from genuine 13th-century buildings, it’s as if a castle was plucked from the mediaeval era and kitted out with five-star hotel amenities. Located near Littlehampton, a stone’s throw from Climping Beach, Bailiffscourt sits on 30 acres of private parkland. Whether you’re here with your bestie, better half, or your pet (yes, they have a Sandy Paws experience for your dogs), this location has something for everyone. Meanwhile, the therapeutic crashing of nearby waves is more than enough for you to completely forget about the hustle and bustle of city life, acting as the perfect escape from work life stress (a couple days away from your emails won’t hurt you).
The design at Bailiffscourt leans into its mediaeval roots, with 39 rooms and suites spread across a handful of charming cottages, each with their own unique look and feel. Vaulted ceilings, four-poster beds, and oak-panelled hallways give it that classic feel, while fireplaces in select rooms add an extra touch of cosyness, especially as you burn the wood yourselves. Every detail has clearly been painstakingly thought out, with everything from framed tapestries, original maps, and even a few secret nooks to discover.
Now, let’s talk about food: Dining at hotels can often be hit or miss, but Bailiffscourt gave us a welcome surprise thanks to their Michelin-level dining. The menu is all about elevated British cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients that show off Sussex’s seasonal best. And when it comes to the beverages, the wine list is impeccable – it’s a curated collection of the region’s top bottles.
When you’re ready to unwind, the spa at Bailiffscourt is where you want to be. It’s housed in a barn-style building with exposed timber frames, and it’s got everything you need including indoor and outdoor pools, and treatments offering unmatched levels of relaxation. If you’re up for exploring, Climping Beach is just a short walk away, or you can hit up the market town of Arundel and the Chichester Theatre, which is just a 30 minute drive. But if you’re looking to relax like no one’s ever relaxed before, and just want to unwind in your room, there’s always the gigantic freestanding bath… That would be our preference.
Melton Mowbray
STAY: Ragdale Hall Spa
Ragdale Hall Spa is your escape from the chaos of everyday life. Tucked away in the heart of the English countryside, it’s the kind of place that instantly puts you at ease thanks to its rolling hills and incredibly soothing atmosphere. One of the key highlights of Ragdale Hall is its impressive selection of pools. With six different pools to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to unwind. The Rooftop Infinity Pool is a particular favourite, offering views of beautiful countryside while you float in its warm waters. The Thermal Spa, with its 12 heat and water experiences, is a show stopper, featuring a mix of saunas, steam rooms, and whirlpools to soothe your body and mind.
The dining experience at Ragdale Hall is as refined as it is nourishing. The chefs take pride in using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients to craft meals that are both healthy and delicious. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the menu offers a variety of options, each prepared with care and attention to detail. For a special treat, head to the Twilight Bar and try the Black Forest Cocktail – a highlight from our stay and a decadent way to wrap up your day at the spa.
Ragdale Hall knows how to make relaxation easy, with plenty of cosy spots to kick back and unwind. There are corners where you can settle in with a good book, and outdoor spaces with lush gardens. It’s the kind of place where you can truly unwind and forget about your to-do list. Beyond the spa, Ragdale Hall offers a variety of experiences to keep you entertained. From meditation workshops to creative classes like floristry and painting, you can find something that suits your mood.
To conclude, this spot is the ultimate retreat for anyone looking to recharge (and get away from your manager). Whether you want to float in the pools, get a massage, or just chill with a cocktail, this spa has it all. It’s the perfect getaway for when you need to hit reset and find your zen.
